Flavonoids from fruit and vegetables: a focus on cardiovascular risk factors

Treatment with onion bulb extract both prevents and reverses allergic inflammation in a murine model of asthma

CONTEXT

Asthma presents a global health challenge. The main pharmacotherapy is synthetic chemicals and biological-based drugs that are costly, and have significant side effects. In contrast, use of natural products, such as onion (Allium cepa L., Amaryllidaceae) in the treatment of airway diseases has increased world-wide because of their perceived efficacy and little safety concerns. However, their pharmacological actions remain largely uncharacterized.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether onion bulb extract (OBE) can (1) reverse established asthma phenotype (therapeutic treatment) and/or (2) prevent the development of the asthma phenotype, if given before the immunization process (preventative treatment).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six groups of male Balb/c mice were established for the therapeutic (21 days) and five groups for the preventative (19 days) treatment protocols; including PBS and house dust mite (HDM)-challenged mice treated with vehicle or OBE (30, 60, and 100 mg/kg/i.p.). Airways inflammation was determined using cytology, histology, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and serum IgE.

RESULTS

Therapeutic (60 mg/kg/i.p.) and preventative (100 mg/kg/i.p.) OBE treatment resulted in down-regulation of HDM-induced airway cellular influx, histopathological changes and the increase in expression of pro-inflammatory signaling pathway EGFR, ERK1/2, AKT, pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum IgE.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our data show that OBE is an effective anti-inflammatory agent with both therapeutic and preventative anti-asthma effects. These findings imply that onion/OBE may be used as an adjunct therapeutic agent in established asthma and/or to prevent development of allergic asthma. However, further studies to identify the active constituents, and demonstrate proof-of-concept in humans are needed.

The impact of flavonoids and BDNF on neurogenic process in various physiological/pathological conditions including ischemic insults: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide with more than half of survivors living with serious neurological sequelae thus, it has recently attracted considerable attention in the field of medical research. Neurogenesis is the process of formation of new neurons in the brain, including the human brain, from neural stem/progenitor cells [NS/PCs] which reside in neurogenic niches that contain the necessary substances for NS/PC proliferation, differentiation, migration, and maturation into functioning neurons which can integrate into a pre-existing neural network.Neurogenesis can be modulated by many exogenous and endogenous factors, pathological conditions. Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and flavonoids can modulate the neurogenic process in physiological conditions and after various pathological conditions including ischemic insults.

AIM

This review aims to discuss neurogenesis after ischemic insults and to determine the role of flavonoids and BDNF on neurogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions with a concentration on ischemic insults to the brain in particular.

METHOD

Relevant articles assessing the impact of flavonoids and BDNF on neurogenic processes in various physiological/pathological conditions including ischemic insults within the timeline of 1965 until 2023 were searched using the PubMed database.

CONCLUSIONS

The selected studies have shown that ischemic insults to the brain induce NS/PC proliferation, differentiation, migration, and maturation into functioning neurons integrating into a pre-existing neural network. Flavonoids and BDNF can modulate neurogenesis in the brain in various physiological/pathological conditions including ischemic insults. In conclusion, flavonoids and BDNF may be involved in post-ischemic brain repair processes through enhancing endogenous neurogenesis.

Citrus limon var. pompia Camarda var. nova: A Comprehensive Review of Its Botanical Characteristics, Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Profile, and Potential Health Benefits

Citrus limon var. pompia Camarda var. nova, commonly known as pompia, is a distinctive citrus ecotype native to Sardinia, notable for its unique botanical, phytochemical, and potential health benefits. It holds cultural significance as a traditional food product of Sardinia, recognized by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies. This comprehensive review examines pompia's traditional uses, taxonomic classification, pomological characteristics, phytochemical profile, and potential health benefits. Pompia phytochemical analyses reveal a rich composition of flavonoids and terpenoids, with notable concentrations of limonene, myrcene, and various oxygenated monoterpenes. Pompia essential oils are primarily extracted from its peel and leaves. Peel essential oils exhibit a high concentration of the monoterpene limonene (82%) and significantly lower quantities of myrcene (1.8%), geranial (1.7%), geraniol (1.5%), and neral (1.4%). In its rind extract, flavanones such as naringin (23.77 µg/mg), neoeriocitrin (46.53 µg/mg), and neohesperidin (44.57 µg/mg) have been found, along with gallic acid (128.3 µg/mg) and quinic acid (219.67 µg/mg). The main compounds detected in the essential oils from pompia leaves are oxygenated monoterpenes (53.5%), with limonene (28.64%), α-terpineol (41.18%), geranial (24.44%), (E)-β-ocimene (10.5%), linalool (0.56%), and neryl acetate (13.56%) being particularly prominent. In pompia juice, the presence of phenolic compounds has been discovered, with a composition more similar to lemon juice than orange juice. The primary flavonoid identified in pompia juice is chrysoeriol-6,8-di-C-glucoside (stellarin-2) (109.2 mg/L), which has not been found in other citrus juices. The compound rhoifolin-4-glucoside (17.5 mg/L) is unique to pompia juice, whereas its aglycone, rhoifolin, is found in lemon juice. Other flavonoids identified in pompia juice include diosmetin 6,8-C-diglucoside (54.5 mg/L) and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside (79.4 mg/L). These findings support the potential of pompia in developing nutraceuticals and natural health products, further confirmed by its compounds' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction methods, conducting clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety, and exploring sustainable cultivation practices. The potential applications of pompia extracts in food preservation, functional foods, and cosmetic formulations also warrant further investigation. Addressing these areas could significantly enhance pompia's contribution to natural medicine, food science, and biotechnology.

Consumption of Berries and Flavonoids in Relation to Mortality in NHANES, 1999-2014

BACKGROUND

Berries are foods that are abundant in nutrients, especially flavonoids, that promote good health; however, the effects of total berries on mortality are not well characterized.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated whether intakes of total berries and specific berry types including blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, flavonoids, and subclasses of flavonoids (anthocyanidins, flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, and isoflavones) in relation to mortality risk in United States adults.

METHODS

A nationally representative sample of the United States adult population was obtained using data from the 1994-2014 NHANES (n = 37,232). Intake of berries was estimated using 24-h food recalls (1999-2014), and flavonoids intake was calculated using the matched USDA's expanded flavonoid database. Mortality outcomes based on 8 y of follow-up were obtained using linked death certificates.

RESULTS

Compared with nonconsumers, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was 0.79 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.7, 0.89] for any berry consumption, 0.86 (0.75, 0.99) for strawberry consumption 0.79 (0.66, 0.95) for blueberries, and 0.69 (0.51, 0.93) for cranberries. Compared with the lower median of intake, risk of all-cause mortality for greater intake was 0.85 (0.74, 0.97) for total flavonoids, 0.85 (0.76, 0.95) for anthocyanidins, 0.9 (0.82, 0.99) for flavan-3-ols, 0.89 (0.79, 0.9) for flavanols, and 0.89 (0.8, 0.99) for flavones. There was a dose-response relationship between intakes of total flavonoids, anthocyanidins, and flavones and lower all-cause mortality risks (Ptrend < 0.05). Risk for cardiometabolic mortality was 0.75 (0.58, 0.98) for berry consumers and 0.49 (0.25, 0.98) for cranberry consumers. For respiratory disease mortality, risk was 0.41 (0.2, 0.86), compared with blueberry nonconsumers.

CONCLUSION

Higher intakes of berries and flavonoids were associated with a lower overall mortality risk in adult Americans. Few adults regularly consume berries, indicating that increased intake of berries and flavonoid-rich foods may be beneficial to health.

Fruits and vegetables intake improves birth outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Disorders of pregnancy such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, the ameliorating role of maternal nutrition in the relationship between disorders of pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes has received very little attention. We investigated the relationship between HDP and GDM, and adverse birth outcomes in a Ghanaian population and evaluated the effect modifying role of fruits and vegetables consumption in the relationship.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 799 mothers who had recently delivered singletons in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Information on HDP, GDM and birth outcomes were retrieved from the maternal health book of the mothers. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess fruits and vegetables intake during pregnancy. Modified Poisson regression was used to investigate the association between pregnancy disorders, and preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). Stratified analysis was used to assess the effect modifying role of fruits and vegetables consumption in the relationship.

RESULTS

The proportion of mothers with HDP and GDM was 11.3% and 7.5%, respectively. The proportion of the mothers with both conditions was 0.9%. The prevalence of PTB and LBW in the population was 27.9 and 7.3%, respectively. These disorders of pregnancy were associated with increased risk of PTB (Adjusted Prevalence Ration [APR] = 3.02; 95% CI: 2.42, 3.77) and LBW (APR = 5.32; 95% CI: 3.19, 8.88). In the stratified analysis, risk of PTB was higher among mothers classified in tertile I compared to mothers classified in tertiles II and III. For LBW, the risk increased with increasing fruits and vegetables consumption. The interaction p values were 0.0043 and 0.1604 for PTB and LBW, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We found mothers who were diagnosed with GDM and HDP to have increased risk of delivering a PTB and LBW baby. We also found fruits and vegetables consumption to modify the observed relationship. Mothers diagnosed with GDM and HDP should be advised during antenatal care visits to increase intake of fruits and vegetable consumption to help safeguard their health and that of the developing foetus.

Dietary factors and hypertension risk in West Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Contrary to North America and Europe, the prevalence of hypertension is rising in West Africa. Although diet is implicated as a contributor to this trend, nutritional guidelines in West Africa are not tailored to address this concern. This study aimed to address this limitation by investigating dietary factors common to West Africa and evaluating their association with hypertension.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline were searched to identify studies that investigated diet and hypertension in West African adults. All meta-analyses used a generic inverse-variance random effects model, with subgroup analyses by age, BMI, and study location, and were performed in R.

RESULTS

Three thousand, two hundred ninety-eight studies were identified, of which 31 ( n  = 48 809 participants) satisfied inclusion criteria - all cross-sectional. Meta-analyses of the association between dietary factors and hypertension included dietary fat [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.44-2.14; P  < 0.0001], red meat (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.04-2.18; P  = 0.03), junk-food (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.19-1.67; P  < 0.0001), dietary salt (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.12-1.40; P  < 0.0001), alcohol (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.03-1.32; P  = 0.013), and 'fruits and vegetables' (OR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.24-1.17; P  < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses suggested that 'fruit and vegetable' consumption is less protective in the elderly.

CONCLUSION

High consumption of dietary salt, red meat, dietary fat, junk food, and alcohol are associated with increased odds of hypertension, whereas high fruit and vegetable appear protective. This region-specific evidence will support the development of nutritional assessment tools for clinicians, patients, and researchers aiming to reduce hypertension in West Africa.

Santin (5,7-Dihydroxy-3,6,4'-Trimetoxy-Flavone) Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells

TRAIL (Tumor necrosis factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand) has the ability to selectively kill cancer cells without being toxic to normal cells. This endogenous ligand plays an important role in surveillance and anti-tumor immunity. However, numerous tumor cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In this study, the apoptotic effect of santin in combination with TRAIL on colon cancer cells was examined. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis and expression of death receptors (TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5). Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated by DePsipher staining with the use of fluorescence microscopy. We have shown for the first time that flavonoid santin synergizes with TRAIL to induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Santin induced TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through increased expression of death receptors TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 and augmented disruption of the mitochondrial membrane in SW480 and SW620 cancer cells. The obtained data may indicate the potential role of santin in colon cancer chemoprevention through the enhancement of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.

Adherence to lifelines diet score and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese adults: A cross-sectional study

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most significant public health issues worldwide, and diet quality is an important controllable environmental factor influencing the incidence of MetS. Numerous dietary scores have been established to assess compliance with dietary recommendations or eating patterns, many of which are not entirely food-based. Hence, Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) was developed in response to the shortcomings of existing tools. This study aimed to assess any possible links between total food quality and cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 338 overweight and obese individuals [body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2] aged 20-50 years in Tabriz, Iran. To collect dietary data, we used a validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for Iranian population. Enzymatic-colorimetric methods were used to assess serum glucose and lipids, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to measure insulin levels. In addition, the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were calculated.

Results

BMI and hip circumference (HC) were significantly different (P < 0.05) amongst LLDS tertiles. Adherence to the highest tertile of LLDS was associated with lower SBP, and the subjects in higher LLDS tertiles significantly had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.04). Triglyceride (TG) levels were also lower in the third tertile of LLDS with a near-significant P-value (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

According to our results, a higher diet quality score, determined by LLDS, can be associated with a lower risk of MetS. Further experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to better understand this relationship.

Inflammasome-targeting natural compounds in inflammatory bowel disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, seriously affects human health and causes substantial social and economic burden. The pathogenesis of IBD is still not fully elucidated, whereas recent studies have demonstrated that its development is associated with the dysfunction of intestinal immune system. Accumulating evidence have proven that inflammasomes such as NLRP3 and NLRP6 play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Thus, regulating the activation of inflammasomes have been considered to be a promising strategy in IBD treatment. A number of recent studies have provided evidence that blocking inflammasome related cytokine IL-1β can benefit a group of IBD patients with overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. However, therapies for targeting inflammasomes with high efficacy and safety are rare. Traditional medical practice provides numerous medical compounds that may have a role in treatment of various human diseases including IBD. Recent studies demonstrated that numerous medicinal herb derived compounds can efficiently prevent colon inflammation in animal models by targeting inflammasomes. Herein, we summarize the main findings of these studies focusing on the effects of traditional medicine derived compounds on colitis treatment and the underlying mechanisms in regulating the inflammasomes. On this basis, we provide a perspective for future studies regarding strategies to improve the efficacy, specificity and safety of available herbal compounds, and to discover new compounds using the emerging new technologies, which will improve our understanding about the roles and mechanisms of herbal compounds in the regulation of inflammasomes and treatment of IBD.

Anticancer Potential of Xanthohumol and Isoxanthohumol Loaded into SBA-15 Mesoporous Silica Particles against B16F10 Melanoma Cells

Xanthohumol (XN) and isoxanthohumol (IXN), prenylated flavonoids from Humulus lupulus, have been shown to possess antitumor/cancerprotective, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiangiogenic properties. In this study, mesoporous silica (SBA-15) was loaded with different amounts of xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol and characterized by standard analytical methods. The anticancer potential of XN and IXN loaded into SBA-15 has been evaluated against malignant mouse melanoma B16F10 cells. When these cells were treated with SBA-15 containing xanthohumol, an increase of the activity correlated with a higher immobilization rate of XN was observed. Considering the amount of XN loaded into SBA-15 (calculated from TGA), an improved antitumor potential of XN was observed (IC₅₀ = 10.8 ± 0.4 and 11.8 ± 0.5 µM for SBA-15|XN2 and SBA-15|XN3, respectively; vs. IC₅₀ = 18.5 ± 1.5 µM for free XN). The main mechanism against tumor cells of immobilized XN includes inhibition of proliferation and autophagic cell death. The MC₅₀ values for SBA-15 loaded with isoxanthohumol were over 300 µg/mL in all cases investigated.

The association between recommended and non-recommended food scores on cardiovascular risk factors in obese and overweight adult women: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a highly prevalent, non-communicable, disease associated with numerous comorbid complications, such as cardiovascular disease. Following a healthy diet is known to help reduce the risk of both obesity and cardiovascular disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the association of recommended food score (RFS) and none recommended food score (NRFS) with cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 379 overweight and obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) women aged 18-48 years. Anthropometric measurements and body composition analysis were assessed in all participants. Dietary intake was assessed by a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) containing 147 items, and RFS and NRFS was calculated. Biochemical assessments including TC, HDL, LDL, TG, FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were quantified by ELISA.

RESULTS

The mean age and BMI of participants were 36.73 ± 9.21 (y) and 31.17 ± 4.22 (kg/m2), respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that participants in the highest tertile of the RFS compared to the lowest tertile had 57% lower odds for hypertriglyceridemia [OR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.20-0.92, P = 0.03]. Subjects with high adherence to the NRFS had lower HDL [OR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.08-4.12, P = 0.02] and higher odds for hypertriglyceridemia [OR = 2.95, 95%CI = 1.47-5.94, P = 0.002] compared to low adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an inverse significant association between adherence to RFS and odds of hypertriglyceridemia. There was a significant association between NRFS and hypertriglyceridemia, in addition to an inverse association between NRFS and HDL. We recommend that people increase their consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats or meat alternates, and low-fat dairy and avoid red meat, processed meat, chips, high-fat dairy, solid oil, refined grains, and variety of sweetened foods to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Allium cepa: A Treasure of Bioactive Phytochemicals with Prospective Health Benefits

As Allium cepa is one of the most important condiment plants grown and consumed all over the world, various therapeutic and pharmacological effects of A. cepa were reviewed. Onion (Allium cepa) is a high dietary fiber-rich perennial herb that is placed under the family Amaryllidaceae. It contains high concentration of folic acid, vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus as well as vitamins and minerals. It is widely used as an antimicrobial agent, but it showed anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiplatelet, antihypertensive, and antidepressant effects and neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic effects and so on. It is said to have beneficial effects on the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems, as well as on the immune system. This review article was devoted to discussing many health benefits and traditional uses of onions in pharmacological perspectives, as well as the safety/toxicological profile. If more detailed research on this perennial herb is conducted, it will open the door to an infinite number of possibilities.

Illustration of the variation in the content of flavanone rutinosides in various citrus germplasms from genetic and enzymatic perspectives

In citrus, 1,6-rhamnosytransferase (1,6RhaT) and 1,2-rhamnosytransferase (1,2RhaT) catalyze flavanone-7-O-glucosides to form nonbitter flavanone rutinosides (FRs) and bitter flavanone neohesperidosides (FNs), respectively. As revealed in this study of fruit peels from 36 citrus accessions, FRs varied from undetectable levels in pummelo and kumquat to being the dominant flavonoids in sweet orange and loose-skin mandarins. Furthermore, a previously annotated full-length 1,6RhaT-like gene was identified as another 1,6RhaT-encoding gene by in vitro experiments. In total, 28 alleles of full-length 1,6RhaTs were isolated and classified into A, B and C types with only type A alleles encoding a functional protein. Coincidently, only the accessions that contained FRs harbored type A alleles, as was further verified in two F1 hybrid populations. Moreover, the inferior substrate conversion efficiency of 1,6RhaTs in comparison with that of 1,2RhaT in vitro might partly explain the lower proportions of FRs to total flavanone disaccharides in citrus hybrids harboring both functional rhamnosyltransferases. Our findings provide a better understanding of FR content variations among citrus and are meaningful for a mechanistic illustration of citrus flavonoid metabolism and fruit quality improvement practices.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension and flavonoids: A role in treatment

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a high mortality progressive pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to right heart failure. The use of clinical drugs for the treatment of PAH is limited to a great extent because of its single target and high price. Flavonoids are widely distributed in nature, and have been found in fruits, vegetables, and traditional Chinese medicine. They have diverse biological activities and various pharmacological effects such as antitumor, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory. This review summarizes the progress in pharmacodynamics and mechanism of flavonoids in the treatment of PAH in recent years, in order to provide some theoretical references for relevant researchers.

Brazilian propolis (AF-08) inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation without affecting blood coagulation

Brazilian propolis (AF-08) is a dietary supplement containing a variety of flavonoids. It is used worldwide as a folk medicine. Flavonoids and a diet of fruits and vegetables containing them have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Most of CVDs are caused by arterial thrombus formation. A thrombus is formed by the interaction between adhesion and aggregation of platelets to damaged blood vessels and blood coagulation consisting of extrisic and intrinsic pathways. Platelet aggregation and blood coagulation are closely linked to thrombosis. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of AF-08 or its component flavonoids against thrombosis by examining their inhibition of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. Human platelet-rich plasma was incubated with serial dilutions of AF-08 for 10 min to assess its inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation caused by collagen. The inhibitory effect of AF-08 on blood coagulation was evaluated by the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which reflect the coagulation function of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, respectively. AF-08 significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation but not PT and APTT, indicating that AF-08 inhibited platelet aggregation but not blood coagulation. Among three flavonoids contained in AF-08, apigenin and chrysin obviously inhibited platelet aggregation but the inhibitory effect of kaempferol was less effective. The three flavonoids did not affect PT and APTT. The inhibitory activity of AF-08 on human platelet aggregation without affecting blood coagulation was suggested to be partially due to apigenin and chrysin. AF-08 may be effective in suppressing platelet-based arterial thrombus formation and reducing the risk of CVDs.

An Up-to-Date Review on Citrus Flavonoids: Chemistry and Benefits in Health and Diseases

Flavonoids, the main class of polyphenols, are characterized by the presence of 2-phenyl-benzo-pyrane nucleus. They are found in rich quantities in citrus fruits. Citrus flavonoids are classified into flavanones, flavones, flavonols, polymethoxyflavones and anthocyanins (found only in blood oranges). Flavanones are the most abundant flavonoids in citrus fruits. In many situations, there are structure-function relationships. Due to their especial structures and presence of many hydroxyls, polymethoxies and glycoside moiety, the flavonoids have an array of multiple biological and pharmacological activities. This article provides an updated overview of the differences in chemical structures of the classes and members of citrus flavonoids and their benefits in health and diseases. The review article also sheds light on the mechanisms of actions of citrus flavonoids in the treatment of different diseases, including arthritis, diabetes mellitus, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders as well as liver, kidney and heart diseases. The accumulated and updated knowledge in this review may provide useful information and ideas in the discovery of new strategies for the use of citrus flavonoids in the protection, prevention and therapy of diseases.

The association of dietary flavonoids, magnesium and their interactions with the metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study

The aim was to systematically analyse the association of the specific flavonoids, Mg and their interactions from different food sources with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in a cohort study. A total of 6417 participants aged 20 to 74 years from the Harbin Cohort Study on Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Non-communicable Diseases were included. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, forest plot and restricted cubic spline were performed in the study. After a 5·3-year follow-up, 1283 incident cases of the MetS were reported. Those with a higher total flavonoid intake had a lower risk of the MetS (fourth v. first quartile, relative risk (RR) 0·58; 95 % CI 0·37, 0·93; P = 0·024) and central obesity (RR 0·56; 95 % CI 0·33, 0·95; P = 0·032). Further analysis showed that the specific flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin, and flavonoids from fruits, potatoes and legumes had the similar associations with risk of the MetS and central obesity (P < 0·05 for all). A higher intake of total flavonoids, quercetin and luteolin combined with a high level of Mg was more strongly associated with a lower risk of the MetS (RR 0·60; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·81 for total; RR 0·61; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·82 for quercetin; RR 0·52; 95 % CI 0·38, 0·71 for luteolin; all Pfor interaction < 0·01). Dose-response effects showed an L-shaped curve between the total intake of five flavonoids and the risk of the MetS. A higher flavonoid intake is associated with a lower risk of the MetS and central obesity; their combination with Mg helps to strengthen their negative association with the MetS.

Onion bulb extract can both reverse and prevent colitis in mice via inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules and neutrophil activity

Background

Onion is one of the most commonly used plants in the traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. We recently demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of onion bulb extract (OBE) in reducing colitis severity in mice when administered at the same time of colitis induction. However, whether onion can reverse established colitis or even prevent its development has not been investigated.

Hypothesis

To test 1. whether OBE can reduce colitis severity when given either before (preventative approach) or after (treatment approach) colitis induction and if so, 2. what are the mechanisms by which onion can achieve these effects.

Methods

Colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration using treatment and preventative approaches. The severity of the inflammation was determined by the gross and histological assessments. The colonic level/activity of pro-inflammatory molecules and immune cell markers was assessed by immunofluorescence and western blotting analysis. In vitro neutrophil superoxide release and survival was assessed by chemilumenecense and Annexin-V/7AAD assays respectively.

Results

OBE treatment significantly reduced colitis severity in both approaches, the colonic expression/activity profile of pro-inflammatory molecules, inhibited WKYMVm-induced superoxide release, and increased spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils in vitro.

Conclusions

OBE can be used as an effective option in the prevention and/or the treatment of established colitis.

Cruciferous vegetable intake is inversely associated with extensive abdominal aortic calcification in elderly women: a cross-sectional study

We have previously shown that higher intake of cruciferous vegetables is inversely associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness. To further test the hypothesis that an increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with reduced indicators of structural vascular disease in other areas of the vascular tree, we aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between cruciferous vegetable intake and extensive calcification in the abdominal aorta. Dietary intake was assessed, using a FFQ, in 684 older women from the Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study. Cruciferous vegetables included cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was scored using the Kauppila AAC24 scale on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry lateral spine images and was categorised as ‘not extensive’ (0–5) or ‘extensive’ (≥6). Mean age was 74·9 (sd 2·6) years, median cruciferous vegetable intake was 28·2 (interquartile range 15·0–44·7) g/d and 128/684 (18·7 %) women had extensive AAC scores. Those with higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables (>44·6 g/d) were associated with a 46 % lower odds of having extensive AAC in comparison with those with lower intakes (<15·0 g/d) after adjustment for lifestyle, dietary and CVD risk factors (OR_{Q4 v. Q1} 0·54, 95 % CI 0·30, 0·97, P = 0·036). Total vegetable intake and each of the other vegetable types were not related to extensive AAC (P > 0·05 for all). This study strengthens the hypothesis that higher intake of cruciferous vegetables may protect against vascular calcification.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Other Biological Properties of Pompia Juice

Pompia is a Citrus species belonging to Sardinian endemic biodiversity. Health benefits were attributed to its flavedo rind extracts and essential oils while the juice qualities have never been investigated. In this paper, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other biological properties of Pompia juice were studied. A combined LCMS/electrochemical/biological approach was used to clarify a still debated phylogeny of this species and to explain the role of its juice phenolic compounds. A closer phylogenetic relationship with lemon and citron, rather than oranges was suggested. Sensors-based electrochemical measures, together with LCMS qualitative and quantitative analyses, revealed a high contribution of ascorbic acid and phenolics with low redox potential, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, diosmin, and diosmetin 6,8-diglucoside, to antioxidant capacity. The biological assays demonstrated a marked effect of low concentration of Pompia juice against reactive oxygen species (ROS) starting from 50 µg mL⁻¹, and a moderate capacity to reduce ROS damages on cell membrane. Treatments with Pompia juice also resulted in a significant reduction (20%) of the metabolic activity of SW48 colon cancer cells. Lastly, MIC, MBC, and MBIC antimicrobial assays demonstrated that Pompia and lemon juices have inhibitory and antibiofilm effects against the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis.

Onion bulb extract reduces colitis severity in mice via modulation of colonic inflammatory pathways and the apoptotic machinery

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The use of nutraceutical-based products has increased in recent years due to their demonstrated efficacy and their good safety profile. Onion is one of the most commonly used plants in the traditional medicine for the management of various conditions including inflammatory and gastrointestinal diseases. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of onion particularly in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To test the anti-inflammatory effects of onion bulb extract (OBE) in an IBD mouse model and the molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects such as modulation of the expression and/or the activity profile of various pro-inflammatory molecules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Colitis was induced in mice by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) daily administration for 5 days. Animals were sacrificed, colons were removed and the severity of the inflammation was determined by the gross and histological assessments. The colonic level/activity of various cytokines and chemokines were measured using proteome profiling-based assay, western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques.

RESULTS

DSS-induced colitis was significantly reduced by the daily OBE treatment and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, positive control), particularly at 100-200 mg/kg doses, at both the gross and histological levels. OBE was also shown to reduce colonic expression and activity of several pro-inflammatory molecules and signaling pathways, such as mitogen activated protein kinase family, mammalian target of rapamycin, cyclooxygenase-2, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. In addition, OBE reduced the expression of interferon-γ, various C-C and C-X-C chemokines, and molecules involved in the apoptotic machinery such as cytochrome c, caspase-3 and -8, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large and -2.

CONCLUSIONS

OBE showed anti-inflammatory actions in IBD mouse model, which is attributed, in part, to the modulation of the expression and the activity of important pro-inflammatory molecules and signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response. These data suggest that OBE may be a promising lead in the therapeutic management of IBD.

Associations of consuming specific fruit and vegetable subgroups with LDL-C status in early postmenopausal Chinese women

OBJECTIVE

Aging and menopausal changes contribute to increased cardiovascular risks in postmenopausal women. This study examined the associations of total and specific fruit and vegetable consumption with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) status, a critical cardiovascular risk factor, in early postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

A total of 508 postmenopausal Hong Kong Chinese women aged 50 to 64 years were recruited into a cohort study on cardiovascular risks. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical conditions, use of medications, and lifestyle factors were obtained via structured interviews. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. LDL-C and total cholesterol concentrations were determined using biochemical enzymatic techniques and categorized according to the Adult Treatment Panel III classification.

RESULTS

Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that women with total fruit and vegetable intake in the highest quartile were 33% less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.44-1.03) to have a worse LDL-C status than those with lower intake after adjustments. The intakes of total vegetables (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.96) and vegetable subgroups in the highest quartiles, including darkgreen leafy vegetables (OR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.89) and corn and tubers (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.96), were significantly inversely associated with LDL-C status. Further adjustment for total cholesterol did not attenuate the associations.

CONCLUSIONS

A daily consumption of vegetables equivalent to about four servings or more might be beneficial for LDL-C control in early Chinese postmenopausal women. In particular, darkgreen leafy vegetables, as well as corn and tubers, deserve greater advocacy for their ability to improve lipid profiles and hence cardiovascular health.

Discerning between Two Tuscany (Italy) Ancient Apple cultivars, 'Rotella' and 'Casciana', through Polyphenolic Fingerprint and Molecular Markers

Ancient apple cultivars usually have higher nutraceutical value than commercial ones, but in most cases their variability in pomological traits does not allow us to discriminate among them. Fruit of two Tuscany ancient apple cultivars, ‘Casciana’ and ‘Rotella’, picked from eight different orchards (four for each cultivar) were analyzed for their pomological traits, organoleptic qualities, polyphenolic profile and antiradical activity. The effectiveness of a polyphenol-based cluster analysis was compared to molecular markers (internal transcribed spacers, ITS1 and ITS2) to unequivocally discern the two apples. ‘Casciana’ and ‘Rotella’ fruit had a higher nutraceutical value than some commercial cultivars, in terms of phenolic abundance, profile and total antiradical activity. Although pedo-climatic conditions of different orchards influenced the phenolic profile of both apples, the polyphenolic discriminant analysis clearly separated the two cultivars, principally due to higher amounts of procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3 and p-coumaroylquinic acid in ‘Casciana’ than in ‘Rotella’ fruit. These three polyphenols can be used proficiently as biochemical markers for distinguishing the two apples when pomological traits cannot. Conversely, ITS1 and ITS2 polymorphism did not allow us to distinguish ‘Casciana’ from ‘Rotella’ fruit. Overall, the use of polyphenolic fingerprint might represent a valid tool to ensure the traceability of products with a high economic value.

Association between fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of hypertension among Chinese adults: a longitudinal study

PURPOSE

Fruit and vegetable intake has been inversely associated with the risk of hypertension; however, there is inconsistent evidence on the long-term association. Given this gap in the literature, it is necessary to identify evidence from large prospective studies, especially in China, where insufficient evidence exists. Thus, we examined the association of fruit and vegetable intake with incident hypertension in Chinese adults.

METHODS

We conducted analyses among 5659 Chinese adults aged 18-64 years, free of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and hypertension in the 2006 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed using consecutive 24-h recalls. Incident hypertension was identified from the 2011 wave of the survey.

RESULTS

A total of 866 participants developed incident hypertension. The relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hypertension were 0.74 (0.55-0.99), 0.65 (0.48-0.88), 0.68 (0.50-0.92), and 0.73 (0.53-0.99) comparing each quintile group of fruit and vegetable intake with the lowest quintile group. These associations attenuated for the change of intake but remained significant for the fourth quintile, of which the RR (95% CI) was 0.65 (0.47-0.89). The magnitude of association was stronger among those who were younger, female, overweight and had prehypertension. When examined separately, fruit intake was more strongly and significantly associated with lowering BP than vegetable intake. Adding body mass index to the models attenuated all associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater long-term intake and increased intake of fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing hypertension in Chinese adults.

Chronic consumption of a low calorie, high polyphenol cranberry beverage attenuates inflammation and improves glucoregulation and HDL cholesterol in healthy overweight humans: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

We studied the health benefits of low calorie cranberry beverage consumption on glucoregulation, oxidative damage, inflammation, and lipid metabolism in overweight but otherwise healthy humans.

Methods

78 overweight or obese men and women (30–70 years; BMI 27–35 kg/m²) with abdominal adiposity (waist: hip > 0.8 for women and > 0.9 for men; waist: height ≥ 0.5) consumed 450 mL placebo or low calorie, high polyphenol cranberry extract beverage (CEB) daily for 8 week in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design trial. Blood and urine samples were collected after overnight fast at baseline and after 8 weeks of daily beverage consumption. Blood and urine samples were also collected during 3 oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) challenges: (1) pre-intervention without the test beverages, (2) following a single dose of placebo or CEB at baseline (week 0), and (3) following a single dose of placebo or CEB at 8 week.

Results

Compared to placebo, a single CEB dose at baseline lowered endothelin-1 and elevated nitric oxide and the reduced:oxidized glutathione ratio (P < 0.05). Interferon-γ was elevated (P < 0.05) after a single CEB dose at baseline; however, after 8 week of CEB intervention, fasting C-reactive protein was lower (P < 0.05). CEB consumption for 8 week also reduced serum insulin and increased HDL cholesterol compared to placebo (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

An acute dose of low calorie, high polyphenol cranberry beverage improved antioxidant status, while 8 week daily consumption reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors by improving glucoregulation, downregulating inflammatory biomarkers, and increasing HDL cholesterol.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-018-1643-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Systematic Review of Behavioural Interventions Promoting Healthy Eating among Older People

Because eating habits are inseparably linked with people's physical health, effective behaviour interventions are highly demanded to promote healthy eating among older people. The aim of this systematic review was to identify effective diet interventions for older people and provide useful evidence and direction for further research. Three electronic bibliographic databases-PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection were used to conduct a systematic literature search based on fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. English language peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2011 and 2016 were selected for data extraction and quality assessment. Finally, a total of 16 studies were identified. The studies' duration ranged from three weeks to seven years. The majority of studies were carried out in European countries. Seven studies had a moderate quality while the remaining studies were at a less than moderate level. Three dietary educational interventions and all meal service related interventions reported improvements in older people's dietary variety, nutrition status, or other health-related eating behaviours. Multicomponent dietary interventions mainly contributed to the reduction of risk of chronic disease. The results supported that older people could achieve a better dietary quality if they make diet-related changes by receiving either dietary education or healthier meal service. Further high-quality studies are required to promote healthy eating among older people by taking regional diet patterns, advanced information technology, and nudging strategies into account.

Anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects of a novel apitherapy formulation via upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and -γ in spontaneous hypertensive rats

Ventricular remodeling is associated with many heart diseases, and ventricular remodeling induced by hypertension can be fatal independent of hypertension. In this study, we prepared a novel apitherapy formulation, designated Bao-Yuan-Ling (BYL), which contained propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom, to treat spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs). We then evaluated the pharmacology of BYL and the potential mechanisms through which BYL affects hypertension and ventricular remodeling. We found that BYL treatment could reduce blood pressure in SHRs. Thereafter, we found that BYL treatment reduced serum levels of angiotensin II, endothelin 1, and transforming growth factor-β and improved the myocardial structure. Moreover, the results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that BYL treatment could upregulate the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and PPAR-γ. Thus, we could conclude that BYL had hypotensive and cardioprotective effects in SHRs, potentially through improvement of myocardial energy metabolism.

Factors modulating bioavailability of quercetin-related flavonoids and the consequences of their vascular function

Nowadays dietary flavonoids attract much attention in the prevention of chronic diseases. Epidemiological and intervention studies strongly suggest that flavonoid intake has beneficial effects on vascular health. It is unlikely that flavonoids act as direct antioxidants, although oxidative stress profoundly contributes to vascular impairment leading to cardiovascular diseases. Instead, flavonoids may exert their function by tuning the cellular redox state to an adaptive response or tolerable stress. However, the optimum intake of flavonoids from supplements or diet has not been clarified yet, because a number of exogenous and endogenous factors modulating their bioavailability affect their vascular function. This review will focus on the current knowledge of the bioavailability and vascular function of quercetin as a representative of antioxidative flavonoids. Current intervention studies imply that intake of quercetin-rich onion improves vascular health. Onion may be superior to quercetin supplement from the viewpoint of quercetin bioavailability, probably because the food matrix enhances the intestinal absorption of quercetin. α-Glucosylation increases its bioavailability by elevating the accessibility to the absorptive cells. Prenylation may enhance bioaccumulation at the target site by increasing the cellular uptake. However, these chemical modifications do not guarantee health benefits to the vascular system. Dietary quercetin is exclusively present as their conjugated form in the blood stream. Quercetin may exert its vascular function as an aglycone within macrophage cells after inflammation-induced deconjugation and as conjugated metabolites by targeting endothelial cells. The relationship between the bioavailability and bio-efficacy should be clarified, to evaluate the vascular function of a wide variety of dietary flavonoids.

Carrot juice ingestion attenuates high fructose-induced circulatory pro-inflammatory mediators in weanling Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Adipose tissue, an endocrine organ, plays a vital role not only in energy homeostasis, but also in the development and/or progression of various metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), via several factors and mechanisms, including inflammation. This study tested, whether carrot juice administration affected the adipose tissue development and its inflammatory status in a high fructose diet-induced rat model. For this purpose, male weanling Wistar rats were divided into four groups and fed either control or high fructose diet of AIN-93G composition with or without carrot juice ingestion for an 8 week period.

RESULTS

Administration of carrot juice did not affect the adiposity and cell size of visceral fat depot; retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RPWAT), which was corroborated with unaltered expression of genes involved in adipogenic and lipogenic pathways. However, it significantly reduced the high fructose diet-induced elevation of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) (P ≤ 0.05), macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) (P ≤ 0.01) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (P ≤ 0.05) levels.

CONCLUSION

Carrot juice administration attenuated the high fructose diet-induced elevation of levels of circulatory FFA and pro-inflammatory mediators; MCP1 and hsCRP without affecting the adiposity and cell size of visceral fat depot; RPWAT. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

CVD and Oxidative Stress

Nowadays, it is known that oxidative stress plays at least two roles within the cell, the generation of cellular damage and the involvement in several signaling pathways in its balanced normal state. So far, a substantial amount of time and effort has been expended in the search for a clear link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the effects of oxidative stress. Here, we present an overview of the different sources and types of reactive oxygen species in CVD, highlight the relationship between CVD and oxidative stress and discuss the most prominent molecules that play an important role in CVD pathophysiology. Details are given regarding common pharmacological treatments used for cardiovascular distress and how some of them are acting upon ROS-related pathways and molecules. Novel therapies, recently proposed ROS biomarkers, as well as future challenges in the field are addressed. It is apparent that the search for a better understanding of how ROS are contributing to the pathophysiology of CVD is far from over, and new approaches and more suitable biomarkers are needed for the latter to be accomplished.

Neuroprotective diets for stroke

Stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability in the elderly. In the last few years, there has been increasing evidence that suggests the influence of the diet on the decrease of stroke risk. Probably, because of the presence of bioactive components with beneficial effects such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. This article reviews several dietary bioactive compounds from studies in models of cerebral ischemia that have obtained promising results decreasing cerebral damage. We propose that many of these compounds present in diet could be good candidates to test new neuroprotection approaches focused on reducing the damage and protecting the brain before stroke occurs.

Genetics and Biochemistry of Zero-Tannin Lentils

The zero-tannin trait in lentil is controlled by a single recessive gene (tan) that results in a phenotype characterized by green stems, white flowers, and thin, transparent, or translucent seed coats. Genes that result in zero-tannin characteristics are useful for studies of seed coat pigmentation and biochemical characters because they have altered pigmentation. In this study, one of the major groups of plant pigments, phenolic compounds, was compared among zero-tannin and normal phenotypes and genotypes of lentil. Biochemical data were obtained by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Genomic sequencing was used to identify a candidate gene for the tan locus. Phenolic compound profiling revealed that myricetin, dihydromyricetin, flavan-3-ols, and proanthocyanidins are only detected in normal lentil phenotypes and not in zero-tannin types. The molecular analysis showed that the tan gene encodes a bHLH transcription factor, homologous to the A gene in pea. The results of this study suggest that tan as a bHLH transcription factor interacts with the regulatory genes in the biochemical pathway of phenolic compounds starting from flavonoid-3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H) and dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR).

Mechanistic insights into the vascular effects of blueberries: Evidence from recent studies

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Dietary habits influence a variety of cardiovascular complications such as peripheral artery disease, heart failure, and kidney disease. We along with others have previously reported the cardiovascular beneficial effects of dietary flavonoids. Anthocyanins, one class of flavonoids widely available in berries, have recently drawn wide scientific attention because of their diverse health benefits. Epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies indicate that blueberry anthocyanins exert protection against cardiovascular complications by acting on multiple targets in the vascular system. These include activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling, reducing oxidative stress, improving inflammatory pathways, and ameliorating dyslipidemia. Anthocyanins are extensively metabolized in humans suggesting that their vascular benefits are likely mediated by their circulating metabolites. However, the bioactivities of blueberry metabolites are unknown. Evaluating the bioactivities of metabolites, analyzing their structure-activity relationship, and well-designed human trials are needed to understand the potential vascular effects of blueberries and their metabolites. Understanding the vascular effects will provide a solid scientific foundation to recommend blueberries to improve vascular health. This review highlights the recent developments in the understanding of the vascular effects of blueberries with special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms involved.

Dietary Phytochemicals: Natural Swords Combating Inflammation and Oxidation-Mediated Degenerative Diseases

Cumulatively, degenerative disease is one of the most fatal groups of diseases, and it contributes to the mortality and poor quality of life in the world while increasing the economic burden of the sufferers. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the major pathogenic causes of degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although a number of synthetic medications are used to treat these diseases, none of the current regimens are completely safe. Phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, and terpenes) from natural products such as dietary fruits, vegetables, and spices are potential sources of alternative medications to attenuate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with degenerative diseases. Based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, some of these active compounds have shown good promise for development into novel agents for treating RA, DM, and CVD by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, phytochemicals from natural products with the potential of ameliorating degenerative disease involving the bone, metabolism, and the heart are described.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand-Induced Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells after Treatment with Xanthohumol-A Natural Compound Present in Humulus lupulus L

TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is an endogenous ligand, which plays role in immune surveillance and anti-tumor immunity. It has ability to selectively kill tumor cells showing no toxicity to normal cells. We tested the apoptotic and cytotoxic activities of xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone found in Humulus lupulus on androgen-sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP) in combination with TRAIL. Cytotoxicity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tetrazolium reduction assay (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH). The expression of death receptors (DR4/TRAIL-R1 and DR5/TRAIL-R2) and apoptosis were detected using flow cytometry. We examined mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by DePsipher reagent using fluorescence microscopy. The intracellular expression of proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. Our study showed that xanthohumol enhanced cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of TRAIL. The tested compounds activated caspases-3, -8, -9, Bid, and increased the expression of Bax. They also decreased expression of Bcl-xL and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, while the expression of death receptors was not changed. The findings suggest that xanthohumol is a compound of potential use in chemoprevention of prostate cancer due to its sensitization of cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.

Effects of financial incentives for the purchase of healthy groceries on dietary intake and weight outcomes among older adults: A randomized pilot study

Providing financial incentives can be a useful behavioral economics strategy for increasing fruit and vegetable intake among consumers. It remains to be determined whether financial incentives can promote intake of other low energy-dense foods and if consumers who are already using promotional tools for their grocery purchases may be especially responsive to receiving incentives. This randomized controlled trial tested the effects of offering financial incentives for the purchase of healthy groceries on 3-month changes in dietary intake, weight outcomes, and the home food environment among older adults. A secondary aim was to compare frequent coupon users (FCU) and non-coupon users (NCU) on weight status, home food environment, and grocery shopping behavior. FCU (n = 28) and NCU (n = 26) were randomly assigned to either an incentive or a control group. Participants in the incentive group received $1 for every healthy food or beverage they purchased. All participants completed 3-day food records and a home food inventory and had their height, weight, and waist circumference measured at baseline and after 3 months. Participants who were responsive to the intervention and received financial incentives significantly increased their daily vegetable intake (P = 0.04). Participants in both groups showed significant improvements in their home food environment (P = 0.0003). No significant changes were observed in daily energy intake or weight-related outcomes across groups (P < 0.12). FCU and NCU did not differ significantly in any anthropometric variables or the level at which their home food environment may be considered 'obesogenic' (P > 0.73). Increased consumption of vegetables did not replace intake of more energy-dense foods. Incentivizing consumers to make healthy food choices while simultaneously reducing less healthy food choices may be important.

Intravenous rutin in rat exacerbates isoprenaline-induced cardiotoxicity likely due to intracellular oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

Rutin, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, a natural flavonol glycoside, has shown various in vitro benefits with potential use treating human diseases, especially cardiovascular system disorders. Antioxidant properties are assumed to underlie the majority of these benefits. Yet rutin pro-oxidant properties have been reported as well. Our research group has recently shown aggravating effects on isoprenaline (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar:Han rats after 24 hours.

METHODS

This study was designed to examine in more detail the reasons for the negative effects of rutin (11.5 and 46 mg/kg, i.v.) after administration of ISO (100 mg/kg, s.c.) in rats within 2 hours of continuous experiment and in the H9c2 cardiomyoblast-derived cell line.

RESULTS

Like our previous findings, rutin did not (11.5 or 46 mg/kg, i.v.) reduce the ISO-induced mortality within 2 hours although the lower dose significantly reduced cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and partly improved the histological findings. In contrast, the higher dose increased the mortality in comparison with solvent (1.26% w/v sodium bicarbonate). This was not caused by any specific haemodynamic disturbances. It appears to be associated with oxidative stress as rutin enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species formation in vitro and had the tendency to increase it in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Rutin, likely due to its pro-oxidative effects, can exacerbate catecholamine cardiotoxicity depending on the dose used.

National Safety Associates nutritional supplementation trial of fruit and vegetable extracts and vascular function (NNTV): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Cardiovascular disease has a multifactorial aetiology with a number of both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Although evidence indicates that dietary intake plays an important role, few studies have focused on the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on early markers of vascular function. Therefore, we hypothesised that supplementation with capsules containing a combination of fruit and vegetable extracts over 12 weeks can significantly modulate biomarkers of vascular function compared with a control group receiving placebo.

Methods/Design

This is a double-blind, randomised controlled trial that includes overweight and obese but otherwise healthy participants. Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups: active supplementation (encapsulated fruit and vegetable powder) or placebo taken twice daily for 12 weeks, whereas both groups will be given the ‘5-A-Day’ dietary advice. The primary outcome is to measure changes to the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) between the two groups from baseline (test visit 1) to 12 weeks later (test visit 2). The secondary outcomes include macro- and microvascular changes and changes to blood markers.

Discussion

In addition to the primary and secondary objectives, this explanatory trial incorporates potential novel biomarkers such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Trial registration

ISRCTN14315618. Registration date 27 February 2014.

Fruit and Vegetables Consumption and Risk of Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis

The association between fruit and vegetables (FVs) consumption and hypertension risk remains controversial. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and the Web of Science for relevant articles published in English or Chinese up to April 2015. A total of 25 studies with 334,468 patients (41,713 cases) were included in the present meta-analysis. When comparing the highest with the lowest consumption, the pooled relative risks of hypertension were 0.812 (95% confidence interval, 0.740-0.890) for FVs, 0.732 (95% confidence interval, 0.621-0.861) for fruit, and 0.970 (95% confidence interval, 0.918-1.024) for vegetables. A significantly inverse association between fruit consumption and hypertension risk was found in studies carried out in Asia (relative risk, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.79). Influence analysis revealed that no individual study had an excessive influence on the pooled relative risks. The present meta-analysis indicates that FV consumption might be inversely associated with hypertension risk, which still needs to be confirmed by prospective cohort studies.

Java project on periodontal diseases: effect of vitamin C/calcium threonate/citrus flavonoids supplementation on periodontal pathogens, CRP and HbA1c

OBJECTIVE

To assess in a periodontally diseased rural population deprived from regular dental care and having poor dietary conditions, the effect of vitamin C/calcium threonate/citrus flavonoids (VitC/Ca/Fl) supplementation on subgingival microbiota and plasma levels of vitamin C, HbA1c and hsCRP.

MATERIAL & METHODS

The study population consisted of 98 subjects who previously participated in a prospective study on the natural history of periodontitis. Participants were instructed to consume one tablet/day containing 200 mg Ester C(®) calcium ascorbate, 25 mg calcium threonate and 100 mg citrus flavonoids for 90 days. Following parameters were evaluated: prevalence/amount of seven traditional periodontal pathogens, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); and plasma levels of vitamin C, HbA1c and hsCRP.

RESULTS

After VitC/Ca/Fl supplementation, 100% of subjects showed normal plasma vitamin C values compared to 55% before. At baseline, 48% of subjects harboured Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, >97% the other periodontal pathogens and 73% EBV. Supplementation with VitC/Ca/F reduced the subgingival load of all studied bacteria (p-values: 0.014-0.0001) and EBV (p < 0.0001) substantially in all initially positive subjects. Plasma levels of HbA1c and hsCRP dropped in all subjects (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This uncontrolled study suggested that supplemental VitC/Ca/Fl may be helpful in reducing subgingival numbers of periodontal pathogens and EBV, and promoting systemic health.

Impact of nutrients and food components on dyslipidemias: what is the evidence?

Dyslipidemias have been shown to bear a close association with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis in particular. As efforts are being made to find alternative therapies and ways to prevent disease, there is a corresponding rise in public interest in food and/or active food components that contribute to an improved lipid profile and, thus, to better health. Besides supplying the basic nutrients necessary for well-being, some foods add further physiologic benefits. In fact, specific foods and bioactive components could be beneficial in controlling dyslipidemias. From a review of the literature on foods and bioactive compounds, their recommended quantities, and expected effects, we found that the following nutrients and food components could positively impact the lipid profile: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, soluble fiber, vegetable proteins, phytosterols, and polyphenols. Therefore, incorporating these components into the regular diets of individuals is justified, because they contribute additional positive effects. This suggests that they also be recommended in clinical practice.

Efficacy of flavonoids in the management of high blood pressure

Plant compounds such as flavonoids have been reported to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. Information on the effects of isolated individual flavonoids for management of high blood pressure, however, is more limited. This review is focused on the flavonoids, as isolated outside of the food matrix, from the 5 main subgroups consumed in the Western diet (flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanins), along with their effects on hypertension, including the potential mechanisms for regulating blood pressure. Flavonoids from all 5 subgroups have been shown to attenuate a rise in or to reduce blood pressure during several pathological conditions (hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus). Flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and flavanols were able to modulate blood pressure by restoring endothelial function, either directly, by affecting nitric oxide levels, or indirectly, through other pathways. Quercetin had the most consistent blood pressure-lowering effect in animal and human studies, irrespective of dose, duration, or disease status. However, further research on the safety and efficacy of the flavonoids is required before any of them can be used by humans, presumably in supplement form, at the doses required for therapeutic benefit.